Over the past few years, breast pumps have gained increased popularity among lactating mothers to feed their babies. Breastfeeding has become a necessity for a number of nursing mothers who are working or travelling for work-related business. Breast pumps have emerged as indispensable medical devices for these mothers, driven by numerous health benefits to their babies. In addition, their demand is propelled for the constant lactation, since mothers not breastfeeding for long duration may risk their milk supply to eventually dry sooner. Various favorable reimbursement coverage of breast pumps in developed nations has robustly propelled the demand for various types of breast pumps such as manual, battery-powered and electric pumps. Furthermore, several initiatives taken by companies, especially in developed and developing nations, to offer lactating mothers provisions for breastfeeding space and time to extract milk has boosted the uptake of these pumps.

The limited awareness about the use of breast pumps among breastfeeding mothers and the high cost of these devices are the key factors hampering their adoption. Nevertheless, constant innovations in design of breast pumps aiming to make them hands-free and various devices advancement to eliminate contamination of the milk collected are expected to bode well for the market in the coming years. Driven by a wealth of emerging opportunities, the global market for breast pumps is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.80% from 2014 to 2020.

Which product types are expected to witness substantial adoption and what are the key factors fuelling their demand?

The major product types of breast pumps are hospital grade breast pumps, manual pumps, single electric breast pumps, and double electric breast pumps. Among these, the electric breast pumps segment occupied a major share of the market in 2013. The substantial demand is fueled by several advantages over manual pumps, such as the adjustable suction for the user, which allows mothers to closely mimic the natural breastfeeding process. Furthermore, electric pumps have robust motor capabilities to extract milk. Double electric breast pumps are the most preferred type among electric pumps. However, the ease of use of manual pumps and their significant demand in case of emergency when no power source is available are the factors fuelling the demand for manual pumps.

Meanwhile, hospital grade breast pumps is expected to witness increased adoption among lactating mothers on account of several factors. These devices have advanced milk extraction capabilities and are usually recommended in the initial phase of breastfeeding when mothers may have scant idea about the use of breast pumps. The multiplicity of uses of these pumps is another key factor propelling its demand across users.

Several benefits of breast pumps have made them increasingly popular among private establishments concerned about the health of their female associate and staff. One of the uncommon perks offered by various Biglaw firms has been to arrange for the shipping of breast milk for their female employees travelling for work-related business. Latham & Watkins, one of the prestigious law firms in the world, had started such a program last year. Very recently, Reed Smith, a global law firm based in the U.S., announced in May, 2017 that it intends to start a breast-milk shipping program for attorneys on business trip. The law firm has also announced that it will upgrade its office lactation centers and install a number of hospital grade breast pumps. Such initiatives by private companies augur well for the breast pumps market.

Which are the prominent regions exhibiting substantial uptake of breast pumps?

North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are the major regional markets for breast pumps. Geographically, North America is the leading regional market and accounted for a major revenue in 2013. The robust demand for breast pumps in the region is chiefly attributed to several favorable regulatory provisions as laid down in Obamacare, which encourages breastfeeding for mothers. Furthermore, as mandated by the Act, all private insurance companies are required to cover the cost of lactation support counseling and the rent of the equipment. Growing awareness for breast pumps among expectant and lactating mothers is expected to propel the demand for breast pumps in various parts of the region.